{"id":353460,"date":"2017-08-30T13:15:17","date_gmt":"2017-08-30T18:15:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html"},"modified":"2023-08-29T17:24:43","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T22:24:43","slug":"exotic-animal-laws-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Exotic Animal Laws by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Exotic Animal Laws by State<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Lisa M. Schaffer, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Every state has exotic animal laws which allow, restrict, or prohibit the ownership of certain types of animals.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to own a pet monkey, or you’re wondering whether it’s legal for your neighbor to have that cougar in his backyard. Whatever the case, you’ll want to start by checking your state animal laws.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The following article describes some of these state laws in more detail. In certain situations, you may need legal advice about an animal you or someone else owns. You can speak with a lawyer who knows your state laws and can help you with a particular type of animal issue. For example, you may want a personal injury lawyer<\/a> if a dangerous or prohibited animal harmed you.<\/p>\n

Prohibited and Restricted Exotic Animals<\/h2>\n

Danger is inherent to animal ownership<\/a>. For this reason, some states prohibit the possession of wild or exotic animals altogether. Most states simply restrict possession to certain species. For example, South Carolina prohibits owning lions as pets, but owning monkeys is still allowed. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but no more than six at a time. South Dakota will let you keep a bear on your property, but domestic pigs are prohibited. Local restrictions can also exist in accordance with city or municipal ordinances.<\/p>\n

Many exceptions and disclaimers apply to these exotic animal laws. Laws may exempt people and organizations that possess exotic animals for exhibition at zoos or circuses. In addition to exhibitors, there are also exemptions for scientific or educational purposes. Additionally, if you owned an exotic animal before a certain date, you may be grandfathered in if you registered or obtained a permit in time. However, even if you’re allowed to own a certain type of animal, you may still be\u00a0liable for any injuries or damages<\/a>\u00a0caused by your exotic pet.<\/p>\n

Just like with dog bites, these injuries can be severe. Owners can suffer strict liability for harm caused by their animals. This means they can be responsible for injuries to others even if they are not negligent in supervising their animals.<\/p>\n

Permits to Own Exotic Animals<\/h2>\n

Most states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals, in addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership. For example, in Vermont, you’ll need a permit to own an anaconda but not to keep a pet alligator. Idaho requires a permit for tigers and other “deleterious exotic animals.” These restrictions may be in place to protect native species in each state or locality.<\/p>\n

While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. Additionally, state laws are frequently changing in response to\u00a0concerns for public safety<\/a>\u00a0and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation. Carrying liability insurance is also a good idea for owners in case such animals injure others.<\/p>\n

Breaking Down Exotic Animal Laws by State<\/h2>\n

The dropdown sections below list examples of prohibited and permitted exotic animals in each state, as well as licensing laws and key statutes. Click on a state’s name to show or hide the information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \n \n Breaking Down Exotic Animal Laws by State\n <\/h3>\n \n \n \n Alabama \n \n <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/button>\n <\/h4>\n \n

    Exotic Animals That Are Legal to Own<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Alabama allows you to possess any native animal that isn\u2019t prohibited.<\/p>\n

    Exotic Animals That Are Illegal to Own<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Alabama prohibits the personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including:<\/p>\n